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Loaded Cauliflower Bake

Source of Recipe

Delish


Recipe Introduction

"If you are sick of mac and cheese or potatoes but still want a hearty side, then this is the perfect alternative for you. This Loaded Cauliflower Bake combines the creamy cheesiness of a classic macaroni and cheese and the amazing 'fixins' (hint: BACON) from a twice-baked potato, into one incredible casserole. You definitely want to cook the cauliflower a little first so that it doesn't take forever in the oven. After about 30 minutes, you won't be able to stand it any longer."

List of Ingredients

◦  2 small heads cauliflower, cut into florets
◦  2 Tbsp butter
◦  3 cloves garlic, minced
◦  3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
◦  2 cups whole milk
◦  2 ounces cream cheese, softened
◦  1½ cups shredded Cheddar, divided
◦  Kosher salt
◦  Freshly ground black pepper
◦  6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
◦  ¼ cup sliced green onions


Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350° F.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch cauliflower 3 minutes. Drain and squeeze cauliflower of water.

Make cheese sauce:
In a large skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute; then add flour and stir until golden, 2 minutes. Add milk and bring to a low simmer, then add cream cheese, whisking until combined. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup Cheddar until melted, then season with salt and pepper.

In a 9-by-13-inch dish, add drained cauliflower. Pour over cheese sauce and stir until combined. Stir in all but 1 tablespoon each cooked bacon and green onions until combined, then top with remaining Cheddar, bacon, and green onions. Bake until cauliflower is tender and cheese is melty, 30 minutes.


Makes 8 servings